The Sun-Times Media Group will close 12 weekly newspapers in Chicago as a push to save money in the difficult economic climate.

The newspapers to close are the Algonquin Countryside, Arlington Heights Post, Cary-Grove Countryside, Des Plaines Times, Elk Grove Times, Hoffman Estates Review, Mount Prospect Times, Niles Herald Spectator, Palatine Countryside, Proviso Herald, Rolling Meadows Review and Wheeling Countryside.

The group will also lay off 15 employees from its flagship Chicago Sun-Times, and cut wages for remaining staff by 7%.

The Sun-Times Media Group reported a $168 million loss in the third quarter. According to the Chicago Tribune, the closings and the 7% compensation cut will help the company save $50 million for 2009.

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